Saturday, October 4, 2008

World Cardmaking Day

Today is World Cardmaking Day , and so to kick of this day for papercrafters we are sponsoring a prize drawing. All you have to do is post a comment on today's post about either your favorite Copic product or what tutorials you would like to see me show more of.

You have just over a week to post. At midnight on Sunday the 12th I will randomly choose 3 winners for our prize packs. Each pack is worth over $75 and is a great way to kick off your holiday cardmaking. I have chosen colors that are great for the holiday season and I think you'll have fun with the Spica glitter pens, Colored and Black Multiliner SP's, and the nice assortment of Sketch markers.

Check out Debbie Olson's blog for more companies who are celebrating World Cardmaking day. Have fun making cards today!

In honor of World Cardmaking Day I made a card. For those of you who know me this may seem like a shock- Marianne is actually making a card (by hand, not arranged on a computer and mass printed). I know, I know, Marianne is crazy for trying to make a card, but we all should step out of our comfort zone sometimes.

This is the card I made for my daughter's first birthday last week. I used a lot of Copic stuff on it, though at first you probably can't tell.

The easy part to see is the butterfly. This is a stamp from Lockhart Stamp Co. stamped onto Neenah Classic Crest cardstock with Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I can't remember what colors I used, except I know the purple is BV04.

Next, the antennae and sentiment I wrote with a 0.05 Multiliner SP. These pens are so smooth and so useful. I also used it to touch up lines on the butterfly that were mis-stamped. See the little yellow pearl in the corner? That was white before I colored it with my Y15 marker. I got those from Ellen Hutson.

You can't see it, but I took a clear Spica Glitter pen and scribbled a little on the edges of the white paper and pink paper, so that it looks like the paper is glittery even though it's plain.

Then, the silk flowers were white when I got them from Imaginesence, but now they've been colored. The pink one was airbrushed with RV14 then I touched it with a marker to make the spots, the yellow one was just colored directly with Y15 and YR65, no airbrush. The buttons in the middle of each flower were also white, but I dabbed with the tip of my marker onto each one to give it the mottled look

Be sure that when you leave a comment you either sign in so I can find your e-mail address to notify you, or add your e-mail to your comment. This makes it much easier for me to find you without hunting you down (Sorry, this prize is open only to residents of the US and Canada. You can still leave me a comment if you are from another country, I just can't send you a prize).

570 comments:

I would love to see what your favorite color combos are for different hair colors. I have a fave combo for brown hair, but can't seem to find the right combos for blondes and redheads. Also, I'd like to see your choices for black hair (particularly Asian hair). Thanks!

I do wish the Copics were available in Australia. I just love what you can do with them,( although I am still learning. )I have recently returned from a wonderful holiday in the US and Canada where I bought a very smallselection of Sketch Copics.Thankyou, Jane

Your card is lovely - I wouldn't have known you don't make them all the time if you hadn't mentioned it! It is hard to choose a favorite product but I will say I love the range of colors available - I'm crazy about color!

I love your blog. It was your blog that gave me the confidence to buy some markers. Although I have been reading your blog since day one I am still a newby. I get the impression that you more often blend your colors without the blending pen. What would be the advantages/disadvantages of blending without the blending pen or is it just a matter of how experienced you are.

I bought a beautiful stamp for Christmas cards. It's a little lamb looking up @ a magnificent star, all enclosed in a snow globe. I colored with watercolor crayons, as my attempt @ using copics was NOT GOOD. Any pointers for coloring lambs and snowglobes?

I love the sketch markers and the results are amazing when you know how to use them. I took your certification class and it was awesome. I have read your blog since day one and I gain more knowledge from each article - thank you.

Thank you for the opportunity to win some blog candy. My favorite copic product is of course the copic markers. I absolutely love them. They are so bright and easy to color with. As far as tutorials, just keep on showing more coloring tutorials. I can never get enough.

So glad you started this blog! It has been invaluable to me. I'm subscribed thru your RSS feed so I don't miss a thing. I guess my favorite product would be that wonderful little blender pen - it does SO much (AND takes care of those mistakes, too!) I find myself using Copics every time I make a card-my other coloring tools are feeling neglected. I don't have many Copics, but am adding more slowly but surely!

I am new to your site and would love to win of course ..I have been lookin all over on how to use copics as when people use them there WONDERFUL ..but im a blender and I cant seem to blend ..help!thanks Diana

I'm with everyone else - how do you pick one product? I love the sketch markers, the colorless blender, and the Spica glitter pens! I've loved every Copic product that I have gotten! Excellent company with excellent products!

Being relatively new to the copic world I'd have to say my fave is the sketch markers ~ since I only own those (2 to be exact). The first time I put them to paper I heard angels sing! They're sooo nice to work with - of course you already knew that.

I'm new to the blog, but I would love to see techniques done with a limited supply of colors. I'm just getting started on getting markers and I can just get the basic primaty ones. Also the blender would be my fav marker.

I LOVE my Copic markers, period! I think my new favorites, though are my T1, T5 and T9. I never used to color with black because it just looked so flat. Now with these grays, I look for any excuse to color something black! LOl

EVERYTHING is fabulous. I started using Copics (and I only have about 14 of them - so far) when I first saw your "I Like Markers" site. ALL your work is beautiful. I am awed by what a talented artist you are and your information has added to my creativity. You are one of my very favorite sites & I love getting your emails. My goal is to one day own ALL the Copic pens!

I am so glad you started a blog....love the Copics...even a beginner like me can color! I need more colors!!!!The sketch markers are my fave.....my husband thinks that I have lost my mind, can't imagine why I NEED so many colors! TFS

I love my Copic Ciao markers and I am so happy I found your blog. I have learned a lot on the use of these great markers. When you stamp a image what ink are you using, so that it doesn't run when filling in the image with the markers? Thanks

I would love to be entered in the drawing because I just LOVE Copics. My favorite item from Copics is Marianne! But seriously, I don't think that is what you meant ... so I will say I love the Sketch Markers. They are just amazing to work with.

However, I just ordered the ABS-1 air brush system so that may be my new favorite by next week.

OK....after taking the Charleston Certification class, My FAVORITE product has to be the colorless blending solution....There are so many more possibilities with this product that I would have never learned about had I not seen your amazing creations...One is now posted on my blog for WCMDwww.thestampingbug.blogspot.com

Happy Card Making Day! Woo-Hoo...I am off to create shortly! Wonderful card...it's beautiful! I would love to see more tutorials of shading with different directions of sunlight...I still can't get the concept of the different dirctions of sunlight and how to shade properly! I love my Copic Ciaos!Hugs~ Kim

I don't own any copics, yet. I started with prismacolor markers to see if I could do anything with them. So far so good, so I may end up being a copic convert, particularly because that airbrush thing looks like a gotta have item. I love all tutorials because I can always get something out of them or be reminded of something that I may have already known. Thanks for all your time you have to put on this blog.

I LOVE the Copic Sketch markers. I just recently purchased a bunch and this has moved me in a different direction in my art to use all those wonderful line image stamps that I possess but don't use. Coloring has always been one of the hardest challenges for me, but not any more! Thanks for all you do - you're blog is FANTASTIC!

With every new Copic-colored card I see, they are moving up higher and higher on my wish list. It's awesome what is being done with them. So, my favorite would have to be -- anything I could get my hands on to try!

Thanks for all the great tutorials, Marianne! I love your blog, and check it every day for my copic fix. :)With winter coming soon, I would love to see a tutorial on coloring snow and snowmen. And I will second Maureen with her request for color combo suggestions for different hair colors.

Wow! I didn't know that you could use copics on flowers, pearls and buttons! I'm new to the copic world and have yet to see my first markers (which should be in the mail by now) and I look forward to learning how to use them.

I would like a tutorial that could show how to get the color to go from dark to light until it disappears... not sure what that's called... in decorative painting we call it "floating" - which I can do - I just have no idea how to do it with copics. A video would be nice. ;) LOL

Am I too vague? I'm a beginning beginner so talk to me like I'm 5 and I'll be good. LOL

I love the Sketch markers and the blender pen and have an airbrush system on my Christmas list! I follow your blog like it's a class that I'll be tested on later. Thanks for the great tips and I'm looking forward to the continuing education!

Can't say I have a fave since my first set of Copics (Ciaos) are on their way - but I'd have to say your site was really instrumental in my decision to try them, so thanks! And thanks for the chance to win...

I don't know about a favorite product, but would love to find out how and which colors to use for dark hair. I have straight black hair and can not reproduce the look on paper, it ends up looking like a scary black blob on the images little heads! Ick

I adore my Copic Sketch Markers!!! I rarely make a card without them anymore. The Spica Glitter Pen is on my wishlist. All of your tutorials ROCK, but I'd love to see more on coloring skin. Thanks for being such an awesome teacher and inspiration!

I would have to say I love it all...finding Copic markers was the one best thing I have found since I have started stamping....well not including top grade polymer stamps. The wide range of this product gives the stamper complete flexibility and control. Awesome all the way around!

I can't get enough of Copics! (and my collection is growing!) Great card you created. I love your beginner tips as that is where I am at and check in often to see what's new. My favorite product is the sketch markers!

I love my markers! I wish you would offer a certification class for us beginners! I know I have so much to learn about the markers and your blog is perfect teacher but real life would be awesome!! Thanks for great chance to win!!

I LOVE all of your tutorials. I feel I have learned a great deal from your daily posts. I would love to see a video tutorial on air brushing. I like that you show your own picks of colors to use. It is so helpful - not only to me but to my LSS where I get the Sketch markers. Whenever I go in, they ask what Maryanne has taught that I need more colors for. tee hee.

Your blog rocks girl! I wanted to go to the copic certification in Washington next month, but no money! Please please make sure and do the one in Utah next year cause I am all over that! I am a sketch girl! Airbrushing and I have a thing going on. I would so love to learn from the master. Thanks for the opportunity to win! Pick me, Pick me! ;)

I have the ciao markers and am really enjoying using them!! I think my fav. product is the micro-line pen, because when I draw with this, it doesn't run if I want to color over it. It's so hard to find a good pen!!

What an awesome giveaway! I have a small selection of sketch markers and I love them! I think lipstick red and BG10 are my favorite colors! As for tutorials, I love what you've done so far, but I particularly appreciate the coloring/shading lessons - I need lots of help in that area!

I'm really loving the few Copic markers that I have...as for future posts, it would be neat to see a "real time" blending session (like a video). I don't know if I'm coloring too slowly or what, but whenever I blend, I get alot of bleeding, so it would be nice to see the technique "live" :) Thanks for the chance to win!

I don't have any Copic markers yet.. i was introduced to them at Comic Con last year but didn't pick any up... BAD MOVE because i have wanted some ever since. A friend at work just purchased a set and let me play with them for a while and they are wonderful. I am not a big card maker but i play with watercolors and pastels right now and i love how the Copic markers blend. I visit your blog often because i love your little tutorials, and i find them extremely helpful with my sketching skills. THANKS for them. clowry@vwd.org

I just recently purchased my first set of 12 Ciao markers and I honestly don"t know why I didn't buy them sooner. I love the vibrant color and ease of use, they just glide on your artwork and no streaking. I have since ordered 6 more new colors. Am new to your blog but just find it so informative. Thanks for all the detailed info. It is a wealth of information.

I love my Copics, but I have just found your site. I'm sure my art will get better once I look through for tutorials and what not. I need more help picking out the right shades to blend. Thanks for the awesome chance! :o)

Hm... I love all the markers/pens. I don't think I can narrow it down more than that!!

I know this might sound silly, but other than finding individual markers for sale on websites, most sets don't apply to me with the markers I already own. Do you have a prefered vendor to purchase Copics? =)

I just learned about Copic markers a few weeks ago and have ordered 30 sketch markers so far. So, I don't have a favorite yet, but am looking forward to trying the glitter pens. Thanks for all the info you share on y our blog. I appreciate it!

hmm..i am new to the world of copics and the sketch markers are my favorite so far...I only have 12 of them though! LOL Love your blog, its helping me learn to use them tremendously!Thanks! Happy WCMD!

Very pretty card! I love all the Copic products...I love to write with them and color with them! Love the Spicas too! Just wish they could come across as beautiful in photos as in real life. Have a great time in Georgia!

I love the fact that the markers come in 2 sizes so I don't have to buy the large one of the colors I won't use as much and that they have color tones - light, medium, dark- in the same color. Makes them so easy to blend! WOOOHOOOO

I'll soak up anything you have to tell us! I'm still back in July trying to catch up on your blog! Your card is great, I love the way you used your markers to color embellishments that "were" white. My e mail is; gonestampin@gmail.comthanks for a change to win!

I have just "discovered" the multiliner pens and they are awesome, but the Copic markers are still my favorite product. I use the blender less than I used to after taking a class from someone who had been to your workshop.

I love love love my sketch markers. I'm so glad I got over my fear of Copics and took the plunge to start using them a few months back. Your blog has been incredibly helpful with this adventure. Thanks!

I just love Copic Markers in general! All of the different shades of colors are just amazing! I don't own very many, so I'd love to be a winner of your $75 (WOW!) prize packages! Thanks for giving us a chance to win!

Wow - I just discovered your blog! I am so excited over the tutorials you have posted!! I would love see some ideas on using the Spica glitter pens! Thanks so much .... can't wait to visit again .... and again .... -Melinda

A chance to win just by talking about Copics - how cool is that?! I love coloring with my Ciao markers but after seeing all the great airbrushing, kinda sorta might need to get a few Sketch one day! I'm anxious to get the multiliners for my own drawings too. The Copic product I use ALL the time is the Spica pens. Oh my -- it's hard *not* to use them on everything!! Love my Copics!

I LOVE Copic markers--cnanot imagine LIFE without them (smile) but my favorite is the Blender pen. After taking your class---I have seen ALL the amazing things you can do with it and it is a MUST have!

I love all of my sketch markers even though I'm not very good at blending them. I also like my Spica Glitter markers for everything! I would like to a have color chart I can carry in my purse so I know which markers I have and which one's I want to purchase. It would also be great if it would tell you which colors coordinate your together by number.

I love Copic Markers. I have a few and love how smooth they are. I've been reading your blog since you started it and have learned a lot, but I still have a lot to learn about shading etc. Thanks for a chance to win these awesome markers.

I can't tell you what I love about copics because I don't own any!! =) But I still subscribe to your blog and read it every day because I am living with the hope I will one day try these fun markers out. If I win it would certainly give me a great start. =)

I only have the Ciao markers right now so those are my favorites, so far.I can't wait to watch my collection grow.I can't think of anything in particular that I would like to see, you already have so many great tutorials

I don't have Copics, yet! I would love to, though.I think the airbrush thing would be my favorite Copic Product. I used to have that tool with the squeeze thing on it. I used it all the time. Copics would be the grown up version of that thing!!!

I can't comment on the Copic markers because I haven't taken the plunge yet. Very Very close especially after ready all the comments. I would love to see more tutorials on gift ideas. Thanks for this great opportunity

I have learned sooo much from your blog. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of Copics with us beginners. Like some other posters I would like to see some help with combos for blondes & redheads. As for my favorite product.. if says Copic it's on my list of favs.

I've learned so much from your blog and it's really helped me to get better with using my Sketch markers. I'd love to see some more color combinations! Thanks for the chance to win COPIC stuff! And your card is wonderful! You should make them this way more often! :-)

I love my colorless blender! I can't believe I've already gone through a whole marker of it already and need to get a refill. Thanks for the generous giveaway opportunity. I read and enjoy all your tutorials!

I love my Sketch markers. I've been 'collecting' for awhile to get a great assortment so now, I'm just starting to play with them and I love them!!! Thanks for the chance at some blog candy!~Crystal M.

What a Treat!! I don't have any Copics yet, love seeing all the examples of their seemless blending. I like how they layer to create depth to an image, with a huge array of color selection. THanks for the chance.

I love the Copic Sketch markers, particularly their blendability. I would love to see you do more color combos like you did with the sand color marker, especially your computer generated triads, etc or could you teach me how to generate my own?

Wow, awesome blog candy and very cute card. I found you through Debbie Olsen's blog, so I've seen lots of Copic inspiration over there. I am not yet an owner of any copics, but I'm fascinated by the air brush system. It adds such depth to whatever project you are working on!

I love the markers and your tutorials are fantastic and now just look at your great blog candy! And a wonderful chance to win a prize that I have coveted for months. I love the blender. It would be so versatile and could be used in so many different ways. I guess you see that I don't have it yet, but I've been reading and studying and I am saving up for an order soon. Thanks for all you do. I love your site. Linda Crowderlindabob2008@sbcglobal.net

I've seen so many fabulous projects done with the Sketch markers so I have to go with them as my favourite product. Love all your tutorials and your amazing blog. Thanks for all you do! Happy WCD to you :o)

I have just started using Copic markers and absolutely love them. When I found your blog, I was so excited because you give get tutorials on how to use them. Thank you for giving us the chance to win these wonderful markers. Have a great day !!

I love your tutorials very in depth and helpful. I really enjoy the ones on shading. It would be nice to see one on sky/bodies of water. I think the blender pen is one of the coolest products because of the unique effects you can create.

My absolute favorite thing about Copic markers are the colors that make coloring and shading faces so easy. I could not live without my skin white marker and blender! Wish I had the whole range of Copic colors. It would be a dream to win -- Thanks for the opportunity.

I have just started collecting Copic markers and I am in love with them. My favorite product is the colorless blender! It is AWESOME! If you don't have one, you MUST, MUST, MUST go and buy one right now...

Happy WCMD, I am new to copics (ciao markers). lovin these marker, the colors and the slender barrell. Your blog/tutorials are the best. I'm like a sponge soakin up everything I can learn about coloring, shading,etc. Thank you for all you do and the blog candy as well. Blessings...kmills2@ec.rr.com

i love the markers!!!! of course!! i use sketch & ciao markers and the liners are fabulous...especially when your stamp image isn't perfect...you can fix it right up!thank you for the awesome tutorials!!chelle

About Me

I am the North American Product Director for Copic Markers, working at Imagination International, Inc. I have written 4 books on coloring with Copics in conjunction with Colleen Schaan. I used to design stamps for Our Craft Lounge. The things I post on this blog are my personal opinions or techniques I have come across over the years- I will try to give credit where credit is due. These ramblings do not necessarily reflect the general opinions of Copic Markers/Imagination International Inc.
my direct e-mail is marianne@copicmarker.com

Subscribe to my blog!

Copic Glossary

ABS/Airbrush System- Copic Airbrush System. Works with either a compressor or Copic aircans. Uses either Sketch or Copic Markers. 1234TroubleshootingAlcohol Markers- Copic markers are alcohol (ethanol) based dye markers, that are known for being low-odor and giving smooth, vibrant colors. Since they are a dye, they will fade in bright lights, but they are acid free on most surfaces. Anything with alcohol in it will react with these inks. Any Copic marker type is refillable with replaceable tips. They will not cause paper to pill when going over it many times, nor will they dissolve photocopies.

Color Saturation- This is the first digit on a color name. Colors that are 00's, 10's, or 20's will be more vibrant (B05, G16, R29), while colors that are in the 70's, 80's or 90's have more gray added (B95, BG78, G94) and are closer to the neutral/earthy end of the color spectrum. Note: E (Earth) markers don't necessarily follow this rule.

Color Group- A sequential group of colors within one color family with the same first digit (i.e. E30, E31, E33, E34, E35, E37, E39) where numbers ending in 0 are the lightest and 9 is the darkest, also called Natural Blending Group

Copic Certification- These are classes for teachers, store owners, or designers who want to learn techniques and advanced tips on using Copic markers, Airbrushing, etc. for papercrafting. Each class is about 7 hrs, and will be held regionally. Check here for listings of upcoming classes.

Spica Glitter Pens - also called atyou Spica pens. These fun, pigment based pens are filled with micro glass flakes, giving a very subtle, elegant sparkle. Keep stored flat, though if they are giving you troubles, try storing them point down overnite.

Various Ink- Also called Refill Ink or Re-inkers. Each bottle holds 25 cc's of ink. 322 colors available, empty bottle for mixing custom colors also available. Great for making alcohol ink effects, such as Faux Stone or covering large areas. When you see streaking in your work it's time to refill. You can refill directly from your bottle of ink, or you can use a booster needle. Try not to overfill.For refilling dry markers:Ciao- add 1 to 1.5 cc's ink Sketch- 2 cc's Copic 2-3 cc's Wide 3-4 cc's

Using this site for Classes

The content from each post is intended as tutorials and directions as well as useful information. If you would like to use these tutorials in a workshop you are more than welcome to, just give credit to this blog site and other suppliers mentioned in each post.

Thank You!

Marianne

Color Disclaimer

Colors on the screen do not match colors printed in color charts, and neither will match the marker colors in real life. To get a feel of what the colors will look like it's best if you get an actual color swatch.

To request a printed color chart, general catalog, Stamping with Copic Brochure, or Airbrushing with Copic Brochure you can e-mail orders@copicmarker.com (remember, printed charts aren't accurate)

Save a tree, get it digital!For digital copies of the above brochures please look through the Copic Library. Don't see what you need? e-mail me at marianne@copicmarker.com

Check the library also for refilling guides, airbrushing set-ups, and other useful literature.

Copic Fine Art Instructors

Click here to purchase your favorite Copic Products

Books by Marianne Walker

Shadows & Shading: A beginner's guide to lighting placementThis book is for teaching you where to accurately put shadows and highlights when coloring with any medium. Includes clear lighting guides to help you plan where to place your shadows & highlights. Distributed by Copic/Imagination International, Inc.

Copic Coloring GuideWritten by Colleen Schaan & Marianne Walker. This is a beginner book for those interested in papercrafting and learning basic techniques for using Copic Markers. Published by Annie's Attic/DRG

Copic Coloring Guide Level 2: NatureWritten by Colleen Schaan & Marianne Walker. This is is the second in the series. Learn techniques for coloring things in nature. For papercrafters. Published by Annie's Attic/DRG

Copic Coloring Guide Level 3: PeopleWritten by Colleen Schaan & Marianne Walker. This is is the third in the series. Learn techniques for coloring people, hair, and clothing. For papercrafters. Published by Annie's Publishing

Check your local store for these books, otherwise they are available at many popular online retailers.